Catalytic Production of Alanine from Waste Glycerol. Issue 6 (27th December 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wang, Yunzhu; Furukawa, Shinya; Song, Song; He, Qian; Asakura, Hiroyuki; Yan, Ning
• Is Part Of: Angewandte Chemie international edition. Volume 59:Issue 6(2020)
• Page Start: 2289
• Page End: 2293
• Publication Date: 2019-12-27
• Subjects: amino acids -- biomass -- glycerol -- heterogeneous catalysis -- surface chemistry; Chemistry -- Periodicals; 540
• DOI: 10.1002/anie.201912580
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1433-7851

Abstract

Abstract: Chemical synthesis of amino acids directly from biomass feedstock is rare. Reported here is a one‐step protocol to convert crude glycerol, from the biodiesel industry, into 43 % alanine over a Ru1 Ni7 /MgO catalyst. The multifunctional catalytic system promotes glycerol conversion into lactic acid, and then into alanine. X‐ray absorption spectroscopy and scanning transmission electron microscopy revealed the existence of bimetallic RuNi species, whereas density‐functional theory calculations suggested Ni‐doped Ru substantially decreased the E a of C−H bond dissociation of lactate alkoxide to form pyruvate, which is the rate‐determining step. The catalytic route established in this work creates new opportunities for glycerol utilization and enriches the substrate scope of renewable feedstock to access value‐added amino acids. Abstract : Direct conversion : 43 % alanine was achieved from crude glycerol over a Ru1 Ni7 /MgO catalyst. Ni‐doped Ru remarkably promoted lactic acid amination, a key step in the reaction. The catalytic route creates new opportunities for glycerol utilization and enriches the substrate scope of renewable feedstock to access value‐added amino acids.